Formulation and in Vitro Efficacy Evaluation of Polyherbal Hair Tonics for Enhancing Hair Health on Various Hair Types

Hair tonics are commonly used in hair care to improve hair health and manageability through natural ingredients. This study aimed to develop and evaluate polyherbal hair tonic formulations containing white tea, green tea, and cherry blossom extracts, assessing their physicochemical properties, stability, and efficacy in enhancing hair texture, thickness, and manageability. Two formulations were prepared: Hair Tonic A (10% white tea extract) and Hair Tonic B (10% green tea extract). The formulations were analyzed for pH, viscosity, density, and UV-Vis transmittance. Stability testing was conducted at room temperature (25°C), elevated temperature (50°C), and high humidity (75% RH, 40°C). In vitro efficacy tests on human hair tresses (black, blonde, and mixed) in both non-bleached and bleached states evaluated changes in hair thickness, weight, anti-frizz properties, and curl retention. Hair Tonic A demonstrated superior stability, maintaining a pH of 4.78, viscosity of 5.03 mPa/s, and density of 1.014 g/ml, with a UV-Vis transmittance of 88.66%. In contrast, Hair Tonic B showed instability under high temperatures and light exposure, with color changes and odor development by Day 28. Hair Tonic A increased hair thickness and improved manageability, particularly in blonde and black hair, while also showing better anti-frizz and curl retention properties. These findings suggest that the polyherbal formulations, especially Hair Tonic A, offer a promising daily-use hair care solution, with significant benefits in enhancing hair health and stability.